The clocks have changed and temperatures are dropping
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Christmas lights My Christmas Trails will see 14 outdoor venues nd the UK sparkle with inations, carols and more. Visit hristmastrails.co.uk.
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Hygge yoga The cosiest workout of all, hygge yoga was e for winter. “Do your yoga moves ur softest, comfiest clothes, unded by soft blankets,” says teacher Lucy McCarthy ementformodernlife.com). 23
Outdoor ice skating From family fun to date nights, what could be more magical than skating under the twinkling lights of an outdoor ice rink?
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Take a bath A long, hot bath lowers blood pressure, eases muscle tension and aids cold and flu symptoms. Add Neal’s Yard Aromatic Bath Salts, £15 (nealsyardremedies.com). 25 Hot tub boat The UK’s first hot tub boat experience is go. Cruise the waterways of London and Essex in the comfort of 38 degrees. From £32, visit skunaboats. com.
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Warm it up When decorating, think warm. “Fiery reds paired with comforting oranges will create a warm glow to your home,” says Sylvia. 27 Home candle Treat yourself to Neom Perfect Peace Candle, £32 (neomorganics.com) and scent your home with wintery pine, myrrh and lime. 28
Winter meditation “Let daily meditation practice set you up for a stress-free winter,” says energy healer Aysha Bell (ayshabell.com). “When we take time for ourselves we are less likely to fall into negative patterns.” 29
Blanket Update your sofa with a cosy throw. Chunky knit throw, £30, George Home at Asda. 30 Log fires Nothing could be more warming than a roaring log fire. Don’t have a fireplace? Netflix has a real fire programme, and there are lots of videos on YouTube too.
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Hot chocolate A creamy, delicious hot chocolate is just the ticket at this time of year. Extra marshmallows, please.
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Plant bulbs “Most bulbs should be planted in winter,” says Anne. “Striped ‘Whitewell Purple’ crocuses will appear in February, and the domes of Allium ‘Globemaster’ will rise above the late May herbaceous borders.” 33
Winter wildlife Winter is tough for wildlife, so give them a hand. Fill bird feeders with seeds, put out leftover meats, veg and cheese for badgers, and unsalted nuts for squirrels.
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Classic movies From Home Alone to James Bond and Elf, the festive season sees reruns of all the classics.
There’s never been a better reason to stay in.
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Morning walk “Walking is simple, free and open to anyone,” says personal trainer Laura Connor. “Getting outdoors will lift your mood as well as giving you a much-needed boost of vitamin D.”
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Build a snowman Fabulous, fun and free – building a snowman is the ultimate winter activity. Don’t forget the carrot.
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Smell the cold “A cold day smells different from a hot one because our noses aren’t as sensitive to smells in the winter,” says Pamela Dalton, olfactory scientist (childrensmuseum.org).
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Be grateful Winter is a time to take stock and realise what you have. Jot down five things you’re grateful for. It could be anything, from a warm house to the smell of mince pies. 39
Toast marshmallows Whether you toast them over a bonfire in the garden, or over the hob, kids (and big kids) love gooey marshmallows. 40
“Tis the season to sparkle,” says fashion writer Emma Johnson. Dress, £49.99, Zara 41 A slower pace of life “Winter can be a time for slowing down,” says Dr Tang. “Humans benefit greatly from rest periods. And solitude can be a wonderful opportunity to reflect and recharge.” 42
Lovely landscape Stripped bare trees, red berries, pale grey skies – winter paints a beautiful picture if you take the time to look.
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Party season Dress to the nines and drink bubbles – anything goes in party season. And after 2020’s festivities were cancelled, this year it’s time to indulge.
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Comfort food From stews to bakes, now’s the time to hunker down and enjoy comfort food. “Good food in good company lifts our spirits,” says TV chef Ainsley Harriott. 45 See the sunrise There’s no need to get up at silly o’clock to see the sunrise in winter, so enjoy that morning glow. 46 New season, new scent A change in season is a great excuse for a new perfume. Try the warm and woody Givenchy
L’Interdit Rouge, £53.50 (theperfume shop.com).
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Stargaze Make the most of the dark evenings and, on a clear night, stargaze. Can you see the Plough? 48
Scavenger hunt Explore your local area and find hidden treasures with a DIY scavenger hunt. Make a list before you go: berries, animal tracks and crunchy leaves are a good start.
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Go to a museum With
exhibitions from art and nature to science and transport, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. 50
Bake bread “Bread making
is easier than you think,” says Rhiannon Abbott of theepsom bakehouse. co.uk. “Using just flour, water, salt and yeast, a loaf can cost 50p, meaning you’ll save money too.”
Super sequins